by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Sampson Segbedzi, the reigning Undisputed National and UBO Africa Welterweight Champion, has filed a formal petition with the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) through his management team, urging disciplinary action against Isaac Commey for unprofessional and dangerous conduct during their bout on November 24, 2024, at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
The much-anticipated fight turned controversial as Commey repeatedly violated boxing regulations, including delivering low blows despite warnings from the referee. The situation reached a breaking point in the fifth round when Commey intentionally headbutted Segbedzi, causing the match to end prematurely and leaving the champion with injuries requiring medical treatment.
Segbedzi’s management has demanded that the GBA suspend Commey and compel his team to reimburse GHC 10,025.00 for the medical expenses incurred due to the incident.
“This type of behavior endangers athletes and undermines the principles of boxing. We call on the GBA to act decisively to uphold the integrity of the sport,” the management team emphasized in their petition.
While the GBA has not yet issued a response, the incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of boxing rules to prioritize athlete safety and ensure fairness in the sport.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Ghana, International, Other Sports
The 3rd edition of the GoGetDem Wheelchair Racing Event concluded successfully at the Accra Sports Stadium, celebrating World Disability Day.
The event featured over 50 children with disabilities who participated in various races and activities. Speaking to the media, Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, the three-time Paralympian and President of GoGetDem, expressed his gratitude for the event’s success. “My goal is to give back to society and inspire hope in children with disabilities. I’m thankful for this opportunity and plan to engage further with kids who joined us from across the regions,” he said.
Nkegbe also shared his team’s efforts to nurture talent discovered during past events. “We’ve identified promising athletes from our previous editions and are training them in wheelchair racing. Today, we’ve spotted even more potential, and we’ll begin their development immediately,” he added.
The one-day event was attended by Hon. Zenator Rawlings, MP for Osu-Klottey Korle, who emphasized her commitment to inclusivity. “Persons living with disabilities deserve equity, fairness, and justice,” she stated. Addressing the systemic challenges faced by families caring for children with disabilities, she pledged continued advocacy for better support systems.
The event was made possible through sponsorship from the Simon Agbotsu Foundation, Special Games Masters (SGM), and the National Sports Authority.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Former heavyweight title challenger Dillian Whyte will close out 2024 with his second fight of the year, facing Ghanaian heavyweight Ebenezer Tetteh on December 15 in Gibraltar. The announcement was made during Saturday’s DAZN broadcast featuring Chris Billam-Smith vs. Gilberto Ramirez.
Whyte (30-3, 20 KOs) last fought in March, defeating Christian Hammer via a third-round stoppage. The 36-year-old Londoner, known for victories over Robert Helenius, Joseph Parker, and Oscar Rivas, has endured setbacks against Anthony Joshua, Alexander Povetkin, and Tyson Fury. Whyte was slated for a 2023 rematch with Joshua, but a positive test for a banned substance derailed those plans, later attributed to a contaminated supplement.
Tetteh (23-1, 20 KOs), also 36, hails from Accra, Ghana. Despite a first-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2019, Tetteh has rebounded with four consecutive wins, most recently stopping Ayaovi Agbonson in April.
This clash, broadcast live on DAZN, promises to be an intriguing heavyweight encounter.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 6, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Ian Machado Garry enters the UFC 310 co-main event as a significant underdog against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, with 88% of the Tapology Community Picks favoring the Kazakh fighter. However, former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes Garry has what it takes to deliver a surprise victory.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Adesanya praised both fighters’ technical skills and noted that fans might be underestimating Garry’s grappling abilities. Reflecting on his personal experience training with Garry, Adesanya remarked, “He’s slick and knows how to put things together well.”
Adesanya acknowledged Rakhmonov’s all-around dominance in the fight game, labeling him a “mauler.” Yet, he is betting on Garry to secure a decision win, adding that if Rakhmonov prevails, it will likely be via submission.
Adesanya also admired Garry’s mindset and journey, likening him to the anime hero Goku for his relentless determination and willingness to evolve as a fighter. “I like Ian’s journey… literally some Goku stuff. Let’s go, Ian!”
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 4, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua may soon find himself back in title contention. The WBC has sanctioned a bout between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel for the interim title, with the winner expected to face Joshua, offering him a new pathway to reclaim heavyweight glory without immediate rematches against Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, or Daniel Dubois.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the decision, stating:
“The WBC has received a formal request to sanction this fight for the interim title, and we will accept it. We remain committed to supporting top-tier matchups, particularly in the heavyweight division.”
Joshua, 35, suffered a knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley in September and was previously linked to a rematch. However, Dubois is now set to defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker in February, leaving Joshua to focus on this new opportunity.
The WBC’s move aligns with the anticipation of a unification clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on December 21, following Usyk’s unanimous victory over Fury in May. Usyk later vacated the IBF belt, leading to Dubois being elevated to full champion.
“For the winner on December 21, there are numerous exciting possibilities,” added Sulaiman. “Whether it’s a trilogy, an undisputed rematch, or another marquee fight, we aim to ensure the division remains active with sensational bouts.”
This development paves a potential fast-track return to world honours for Joshua, with Kabayel (ranked No. 2) and Zhang (ranked No. 4) battling for the interim title. Both fighters flank Martin Bakole, a formidable contender, in the WBC rankings.
